scholarly journals Into the dark: patterns of middle ear adaptations in subterranean eulipotyphlan mammals

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (9) ◽  
pp. 170608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Koyabu ◽  
Misato Hosojima ◽  
Hideki Endo
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ear ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Terrestrial Environment ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Key Innovation ◽  
Ear Ossicles ◽  
Stapes Footplate

Evolution of the middle ear ossicles was a key innovation for mammals, enhancing the transmission of airborne sound. Radiation into various habitats from a terrestrial environment resulted in diversification of the auditory mechanisms among mammals. However, due to the paucity of phylogenetically controlled investigations, how middle ear traits have diversified with functional specialization remains unclear. In order to identify the respective patterns for various lifestyles and to gain insights into fossil forms, we employed a high-resolution tomography technique and compared the middle ear morphology of eulipotyphlan species (moles, shrews and hedgehogs), a group that has radiated into various environments, such as terrestrial, aquatic and subterranean habitats. Three-dimensional geometric morphometric analysis was conducted within a phylogenetically controlled framework. Quantitative shapes were found to strongly reflect the degree of subterranean lifestyle and weakly involve phylogeny. Our analyses demonstrate that subterranean adaptation should include a relatively shorter anterior process of the malleus, an enlarged incus, an enlarged stapes footplate and a reduction of the orbicular apophysis. These traits arguably allow improving low-frequency sound transmission at low frequencies and inhibiting the low-frequency noise which disturbs the subterranean animals in hearing airborne sounds.

Low Frequency Noise Annoyance Assessment by Low Frequency Noise Rating (LFNR) Curves

1983 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Broner ◽  
H.G. Leventhall
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Experiments ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Noise Annoyance

Over recent years, it has become apparent that low frequency noise annoyance is more widespread than originally believed. Annoyance has occurred where the emitted noise is unbalanced towards the low frequencies even though the dB(A) level has been low. Following laboratory experiments carried out as part of an investigation into low frequency annoyance, combined with field annoyance data, the Low Frequency Noise Rating (LFNR) curves are proposed for the assessment of low frequency noise annoyance complaints.

Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry of the Middle Ear Ossicles

1997 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey R. Ball ◽  
Alex Huber ◽  
Richard L. Goode
Keyword(s):  
Middle Ear ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Laser Doppler Vibrometer ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Laser Doppler ◽  
Scanning Laser ◽  
Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer ◽  
Point Analysis ◽  
Ear Ossicles

This paper describes measurements of the vibratory modes of the middle ear ossicles made with a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. Previous studies of the middle ear ossicles with single-point laser Doppler measurements have raised questions regarding the vibrational modes of the ossicular chain. Single-point analysis methods do not have the ability to measure multiple points on the ossicles and, consequently, have limited ability to simultaneously record relative phase information at these points. Using a Polytec Model PSV-100, detailed measurements of the ossicular chain have been completed in the human temporal bone model. This model, when driven with a middle ear transducer, provides detailed three-dimensional data of the vibrational patterns of the middle ear ossicles. Implications for middle ear implantable devices are discussed.

Low Frequency Absorption of Additively Manufactured Cylinders

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie R. Kaye ◽  
Ethan D. Casavant ◽  
Paul E. Slaboch
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Normal Incidence ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Outer Diameter ◽  
Acoustic Absorption ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Large Space ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Cylinder Length ◽  
Hollow Cylinders

Abstract Attenuating low frequencies is often problematic, due to the large space required for common absorptive materials to mitigate such noise. However, natural hollow reeds are known to effectively attenuate low frequencies while occupying relatively little space compared to traditional absorptive materials. This paper discusses the effect of varied outer diameter, and outer spacing on the 200–1600 Hz acoustic absorption of additively manufactured arrays of hollow cylinders. Samples were tested in a 10 cm diameter normal incidence impedance tube such that cylinder length was oriented perpendicular to the incoming plane wave. By varying only one geometric element of each array, the absorption due to any particular parameter can be assessed individually. The tests confirmed the hypothesis that minimizing cylinder spacing and maximizing cylinder diameter resulted in increased overall absorption and produced more focused absorption peaks at specific low frequencies. Wider cylinder spacing produced a broader absorptive frequency range, despite shifting upward in frequency. Thus, manipulating these variables can specifically target absorption for low frequency noise that would otherwise disturb listeners.

Influence of ossicular chain malformation on the performance of round-window stimulation: A finite element approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 233 (5) ◽  
pp. 584-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Houguang Liu ◽  
Hu Zhang ◽  
Jianhua Yang ◽  
Xinsheng Huang ◽  
Wen Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Middle Ear ◽  
Basilar Membrane ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Ossicular Chain ◽  
Asymmetric Structure ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Stapes Fixation

As a novel application of implantable middle ear hearing device, round-window stimulation is widely used to treat hearing loss with middle ear disease, such as ossicular chain malformation. To evaluate the influence of ossicular chain malformations on the efficiency of the round-window stimulation, a human ear finite element model, which incorporates cochlear asymmetric structure, was constructed. Five groups of comparison with experimental data confirmed the model’s validity. Based on this model, we investigated the influence of three categories of ossicular chain malformations, that is, incudostapedial disconnection, incus and malleus fixation, and fixation of the stapes. These malformations’ effects were evaluated by comparing the equivalent sound pressures derived from the basilar membrane displacement. Results show that the studied ossicular chain malformations mainly affected the round-window simulation’s performance at low frequencies. In contrast to the fixation of the ossicles, which mainly deteriorates round-window simulation’s low-frequency performance, incudostapedial disconnection increases this performance, especially in the absence of incus process and stapes superstructure. Among the studied ossicular chain malformations, the stapes fixation has a much more severe impact on the round-window stimulation’s efficiency. Thus, the influence of the patients’ ossicular chain malformations should be considered in the design of the round-window stimulation’s actuator. The low-frequency output of the round-window simulation’s actuator should be enhanced, especially for treating the patients with stapes fixation.

scholarly journals Noise Characterization of Vortex-State GMR Sensors with Different Free Layer Thicknesses

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (13) ◽  
pp. 1013
Author(s):  
Herbert Weitensfelder ◽  
Hubert Brueckl ◽  
Armin Satz ◽  
Dieter Suess
Keyword(s):  
Spin Valve ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Vortex State ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Free Layer ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Gmr Sensors ◽  
Noise Characterization ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

The spin valve principle is the most prominent sensor design among giant- (GMR) and tunneling (TMR) magnetoresistive sensors. A new sensor concept with a disk shaped free layer enables the formation of a flux-closed vortex magnetization state if a certain relation of thickness to diameter is given. The low frequency noise of current-in-plane GMR sensing elements with different free layer thicknesses at different external field strengths has been measured. The measurements of the 1/f noise in external fields enabled a separation of magnetic and electric noise contributions. It has been shown that while the sensitivity is increasing with a decreasing element thickness, the pink noise contribution is increasing too. Still the detection limit at low frequencies is better in thinner free layer elements due to the higher sensitivity.

Inadequate Standards Currently Applied by Local Authorities to Determine Statutory Nuisance from LF and Infrasound

2003 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazel Guest
Keyword(s):  
Local Authority ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Measurement Information ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Specific Effects ◽  
Basic Understanding

Knowledge of the latest results in Low Frequency Noise (LFN) and infrasound research are not being transmitted, either to government whose job it is to legislate on standards of noise and vibration, or to local authority officers whose job it is to look into complaints and enforce standards. The dismissal of complaints is frequently based on inappropriate techniques such as the application of A-weighting, a lack of understanding of vibration transmission including building resonance, and a lack of basic understanding about the perception of low frequencies by complainants, for instance the lowering of the lower audibility threshold arising from exposure. This paper asks those involved in research to ensure that their relevant findings are more widely disseminated, along with advice to legislators and local authorities on measurement, information on LF and infrasound resonance in buildings, recommendations for appropriate standards to be used in assessing LF and infrasound as a Statutory Nuisance, and information about the effects of long-term exposure. There is a need for more research in situ into specific effects.

Active Control of Low Frequency Modes in an Aircraft Fuselage Using Spatially Weighted Arrays

2000 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven A. Lane ◽  
Robert L. Clark ◽  
Steve C. Southward
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Pressure Sensors ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
H2 Control ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Aircraft Fuselage ◽  
Transducer Arrays

Acoustic enclosures such as aircraft cabins often display lightly damped modal behavior at low frequencies where passive treatments are impractical due to mass and volume constraints. This work presents a feedback control approach using dynamic H2 controllers implemented with spatially weighted arrays of collocated pressure sensors and constant volume-velocity actuators. The open-loop system is shaped using spatially weighted transducer arrays to yield increased pole-zero separation, which results in better closed-loop performance. The transducer arrays are weighted to emphasize coupling to a particular acoustic mode or modes, which facilitates global control of the targeted dynamics. This work presents a method to determine the spatial weighting vectors for the transducer arrays from frequency response measurements. The development and implementation of low-order, dynamic H2 control laws is also discussed. Experimental results are presented for a single-mode and a multiple-mode controller implemented on an aircraft fuselage section, and demonstrate significant reduction of the targeted acoustic modes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first experimental implementation of a feedback controller of this type capable of achieving such levels of global reduction in a three-dimensional acoustic system. [S0739-3717(00)02303-5]

Receptivity to free-stream vorticity of flow past a flat plate with elliptic leading edge

2010 ◽  
Vol 653 ◽  
pp. 245-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.-U. SCHRADER ◽  
L. BRANDT ◽  
C. MAVRIPLIS ◽  
D. S. HENNINGSON
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flat Plate ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Sound Waves ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence

Receptivity of the two-dimensional boundary layer on a flat plate with elliptic leading edge is studied by numerical simulation. Vortical perturbations in the oncoming free stream are considered, impinging on two leading edges with different aspect ratio to identify the effect of bluntness. The relevance of the three vorticity components of natural free-stream turbulence is illuminated by considering axial, vertical and spanwise vorticity separately at different angular frequencies. The boundary layer is most receptive to zero-frequency axial vorticity, triggering a streaky pattern of alternating positive and negative streamwise disturbance velocity. This is in line with earlier numerical studies on non-modal growth of elongated structures in the Blasius boundary layer. We find that the effect of leading-edge bluntness is insignificant for axial free-stream vortices alone. On the other hand, vertical free-stream vorticity is also able to excite non-modal instability in particular at zero and low frequencies. This mechanism relies on the generation of streamwise vorticity through stretching and tilting of the vertical vortex columns at the leading edge and is significantly stronger when the leading edge is blunt. It can thus be concluded that the non-modal boundary-layer response to a free-stream turbulence field with three-dimensional vorticity is enhanced in the presence of a blunt leading edge. At high frequencies of the disturbances the boundary layer becomes receptive to spanwise free-stream vorticity, triggering Tollmien–Schlichting (T-S) modes and receptivity increases with leading-edge bluntness. The receptivity coefficients to free-stream vortices are found to be about 15% of those to sound waves reported in the literature. For the boundary layers and free-stream perturbations considered, the amplitude of the T-S waves remains small compared with the low-frequency streak amplitudes.

scholarly journals Factors influencing low-frequency noise reduction in typical Chinese dwelling layouts

2020 ◽  
pp. 146134842094297
Author(s):  
Yang Song ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Noise Reduction ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Source ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequencies ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Polyline Distance

Existing approaches to reducing the low-frequency noise exposure of dwellings are not always sufficient. This study investigated the significance of dwelling layout design for low-frequency noise control. The sound distribution in six typical Chinese dwelling layouts was analysed using in-situ measurements under steady-state noise of various low frequencies. The results showed that among two-bedroom dwelling layouts, the overall average noise reduction varied considerably (6 dB). The noise reduction for room levels (number of rooms sound crosses) 1–2 and 2–3 varies by 5 and 3 dB, respectively, and the noise reduction at door openings varies by 5 dB. A model to approximate the low-frequency noise reduction of a layout was developed using the polyline distance from the noise source and the number of walls the polyline has to cross, which were clearly shown to influence low-frequency noise reduction and seem to be the strongest investigated factors.

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